The upfront costs associated with electric vehicles (EVs) is the biggest barrier to the transport mode’s adoption and uptake in South Africa, says Stellenbosch University associate Professor Stephan Krygsman.

Speaking on behalf of Benson Manu, who authored the study on EVs, Krygsman says EV adoption is largely driven by global carbon emissions standards – of which the European Union and China are taking the lead.

However, locally, about 53% of respondents to Manu’s study indicated that the initial capital cost, or purchase price, had the largest influence on peoples’ decision not to buy EVs.

Maintenance and charging costs, as well as vehicle depreciation and overhead costs, were other concerns highlighted during the study.

This, Krygsman notes, will continue to prohibit the uptake of EVs in South Africa, as well as the broader sub-Saharan Africa region, until governments can implement cost reduction strategies such as lowering import duties, providing capital subsidies on the retail prices of EVs, subsidise electricity costs for charging EVs and exempting EV drivers from having to pay toll fees.

However, even if the State should reduce the import duty by between 18% and 25%, the capital cost “still remains an important factor”.

Should these cost concerns be addressed, Krygsman is optimistic that EV adoption in the country can provide economic development opportunities and not just the environmental benefits commonly associated with EVs.

Considering that EVs are cheaper to operate and offer lower running costs, Krygsman says EV adoption in South Africa could reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.

EVs also improve air quality and stimulate innovation, while simultaneously fostering economic development and lowering transport costs, he adds.

*Krygsman spoke on the third day of the virtual South African Transport Conference on July 7.